Learn How to Apply Context Communication When Building a Virtual Team
We have been getting a lot of requests about how context communication can be used for building a virtual team and how to apply agile software development methodologies in virtual environments. For those who are not tech-savvy, Agile refers to software development methodologies that emphasize iterative and continuous feedback, testing and flexibility. These methodologies differ from waterfall methodologies, in which development and testing are distinct and separate phases. Core to Agile software development processes, and their iterative nature, is the need for daily face-to-face interaction. Yet, virtual teams are defined by a lack of this direct contact.
Yael Zofi in her book, A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams, points out that virtual teams offer many advantages to tech companies, including the reduction of overhead costs, access to global expertise and the ability to work round the clock, “following the sun”. Clearly, virtual teams are on the rise in the technology industry, and so a key question is, can projects conducted with Agile Methodologies succeed in the virtual world? Without the advantage of Context Communication (a given when colleagues share a workspace), can this communication gap be filled through other tools? Context Communication exists when you can observe different types of cues (behaviors, actions, surroundings) that provide information to enable a deeper understanding of someone’s intention.
The Agile’s Manifesto, a loose framework of the 12 principles behind Agile, emphasizes “individuals and interactions over processes and tools”. (If interested, please click here for Robin Good’s Best Online Collaboration Tools, updated monthly – collaboration tools.)
AIM’s Virtual Trends Report, noted the importance of the human connection in the virtual environment, and provided practical tips on building a virtual team and defusing conflict. Given the reality of working with fewer communication cues, managers of virtual software development teams need to find ways to achieve Context Communication, which consists of three components: Environmental Cues, the Medium and Relationships.
- Environmental Cues (Page 62)- the observable cues common to face-to-face communication, which enable co-workers to gauge how others perceive them and their ideas. We can adjust our expectations and demands accordingly.
- Medium (Page 68)– This is the format used to communicate with co-workers in the virtual world. Medium determines the richness of information that is received. Each team must establish clear procedures for managing written, voice and virtual in-person communication.
- Relationships (Page 82)– think of relationships as the glue that binds team members together. To overcome the difficulties of working across physical distances, relationships need to be constructed using tools that were not designed to build relationship (like computers and phones). And without the benefit of hallways and watercooler conversations that promote strong work relationships, software developers who work virtually need assistance in facilitating these conversations.
If your virtual software development team uses Agile Methodologies and you would like some practical tips on how to create these key elements of Context Communication, please read Yael Zofi’s, A Manager’s Gudie to Virtual Teams (or contact us at info@aim-strategies.com to inquire about team development and consulting services).
Please note: If you are part of, or manage, a virtual team working with Agile, would you consider sharing the experiences and challenges you face? We are especially interested in specific examples of successful Agile methods in these virtual workplaces. It is our belief that by sharing best practices we will build on each others’ successes and achieve even greater results as we go forward in this increasingly connected world.
